Obama team: We're not taking sides in Egypt

Jul. 7, 2013
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President Obama / Evan Vucci, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON -- The White House says it's not taking sides in Egypt, unless you count the Egyptian people as a whole.

At a National Security Council meeting on Saturday, President Obama "reiterated that the United States is not aligned with, and does not support, any particular Egyptian political party or group," said a White House statement on the meeting.

The meeting -- which Obama conducted by secure conference call from Camp David, Md., where he spent the weekend -- came three days after the Egyptian military removed President Mohammed Morsi, installed a temporary government, and called for new elections.

The U.S., which has been criticized by both supporters and critics of Morsi throughout the crisis, "categorically rejects the false claims propagated by some in Egypt that we are working with specific political parties or movements to dictate how Egypt's transition should proceed," said the White House statement.

It added: "We remain committed to the Egyptian people and their aspirations for democracy, economy opportunity, and dignity."

The statement again called for a quick restoration of democracy in Egypt.

"We urge all Egyptian leaders to condemn the use of force and to prevent further violence among their supporters, just as we urge all those demonstrating to do so peacefully," said the White House.

The full statement:

"President Obama convened a secure conference call with the National Security Council (Saturday) to review the very fluid situation in Egypt. The President condemned the ongoing violence across Egypt and expressed concern over the continued political polarization. He reiterated that the United States is not aligned with, and does not support, any particular Egyptian political party or group.

"In line with that position, the United States categorically rejects the false claims propagated by some in Egypt that we are working with specific political parties or movements to dictate how Egypt's transition should proceed. We remain committed to the Egyptian people and their aspirations for democracy, economy opportunity, and dignity. But the future path of Egypt can only be determined by the Egyptian people.

"During this transitional period, we call on all Egyptians to come together in an inclusive process that allows for the participation of all groups and political parties. Throughout that process, the United States will continue to engage the Egyptian people in a spirit of partnership, consistent with our longstanding friendship and shared interests -- including our interest in a transition to sustainable democracy.

"We urge all Egyptian leaders to condemn the use of force and to prevent further violence among their supporters, just as we urge all those demonstrating to do so peacefully. As Egyptians look forward, we call on all sides to bridge Egypt's divisions, reject reprisals, and join together to restore stability and Egypt's democracy."